I love trying out new cocktails, and lately, the Empress Gin Blood Moon Martini has really caught my eye.
This drink’s got a stunning color and a unique twist—definitely a fun one for sharing with friends or just treating myself at the end of a long week.
The combo of Empress Gin and fruit juices brings a flavor that’s both refreshing and bold.
It’s honestly pretty simple to make, and with just a few ingredients, I can whip this up at home whenever the mood strikes.
Empress Gin Blood Moon Martini Cocktail Recipe
This drink blends Empress 1908 Gin, blood orange juice, and dry vermouth for a vibrant spin on the classic martini.
The lemon juice adds a citrusy kick, and the Empress Gin gives it a color that’s just unreal.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker: For chilling and mixing everything together.
- Jigger: Helps me get the right measurements.
- Strainer: So I can pour neatly without ice chunks.
- Citrus juicer: I usually grab a handheld one for fresh juice.
- Bar spoon: Good if I want to stir instead of shake.
- Chilled coupe or martini glass: Keeping the glass cold really helps.
- Ice cubes: For chilling and a little dilution.
- Paring knife: Handy for slicing up that lemon twist garnish.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Empress 1908 Gin
- 1 ounce blood orange juice (fresh if you can swing it)
- 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 ounce dry vermouth
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Ice cubes (enough for the shaker)
- Lemon twist (for garnish)
I always use a jigger—makes a difference.
The Empress Gin’s wild color comes from butterfly pea blossom, which is actually pretty cool.
Fresh citrus juice is a must for that bright flavor.
Instructions
- Fill your cocktail shaker about halfway with ice.
- Add Empress Gin, blood orange juice, lemon juice, dry vermouth, and orange bitters (I just measure with the jigger as I go).
- Shake it up for a good 15 seconds, until the shaker’s icy cold.
- Strain into your chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist—either on the rim or just floating in the drink.
I like to shake it hard so it’s super cold.
Straining carefully keeps the texture nice and smooth.
That citrusy aroma from the twist is honestly one of my favorite parts.
Notes
If blood oranges aren’t in season, I’ll mix regular orange juice with a splash of cranberry for color.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice always wins out over bottled stuff.
Pre-chilling the glass keeps the drink colder, which I appreciate because I hate when cocktails get watery too fast.
Empress 1908 Gin’s color actually shifts with acid, so the blood orange and lemon turn it from deep indigo to this wild pink-purple.
Sometimes I go lighter on the vermouth if I’m craving something a bit drier.
And that lemon twist? It’s not just for looks—twisting it over the glass gives the drink a little extra zing.
Equipment
- Chilled coupe or martini glass
- Paring knife
Ingredients
- 2 oz Empress 1908 Gin
- 1 oz blood orange juice fresh, if possible
- 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 oz dry vermouth
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Ice cubes for shaking
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Shake well for 15 seconds until thoroughly chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with a lemon twist, either on the rim or floated in the drink.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the color-changing magic and refreshing citrusy flavor.
Tasting Notes
First thing I notice when I pick up this martini is the beautiful indigo blue color from the gin.
It just looks so elegant—almost too pretty to drink, but I’m not waiting.
The initial flavor is all about those gentle floral notes.
Then there’s this burst of citrus that’s bright and refreshing.
Since Empress Gin is a botanical gin, I get hints of juniper and rose here and there.
It’s nicely balanced, kind of reminds me of a gin sour, but with a twist.
Watching the color change as the citrus hits is honestly part of the fun.
It goes from deep blue to this dreamy purple-pink, which never gets old.
Here’s what stands out to me with each sip:
- Bright citrus and floral aroma
- Smooth, light texture
- Subtle sweetness
- Refreshing finish
Substitute
If I run out of Empress Gin, I’ll sometimes grab butterfly pea flower gin for that wild color. Regular gin, like the kind I toss into a classic martini or a gin and tonic, also does the trick—though you lose the purple drama.
Here are a few swaps I like for the Blood Moon Martini:
- Campari or Aperol: No Campari? Aperol gives a lighter vibe.
- Sweet Vermouth: Lillet Blanc sneaks in a softer, more floral note.
- Candied Orange Wheel: Sometimes I just twist up a fresh orange peel or slice a bit of lemon.
If I’m feeling experimental, I play with these combos:
- For some bubbles, I’ll top it with champagne or sparkling wine—think French 75 style.
- A splash of pineapple juice and maraschino liqueur takes it toward the Royal Hawaiian.
- Now and then, I toss in blackberry liqueur or a bit of black tea for depth.
- Want it creamy? Crack in an egg white for that silky froth (just like some old-school party favorites).
Equipment
Ingredients
- Substitute gin (see above)
- Aperol or Campari
- Sweet vermouth or Lillet Blanc
- Orange or lemon for garnish
- Optional: Pineapple juice, maraschino liqueur, blackberry liqueur, egg white
Instructions
